Google announces a December 2021 Feature Drop for Android devices
Google has introduced some new features to its Android devices through an Android Feature Drop, as Mishaal Rahman has coined. Typically, Google releases Feature Drops to Pixel smartphones, but this month's edition applies to numerous devices. The new features described below will be available through updated apps, rather than an OTA software update.
There are some device limitations with specific features, though. For example, Google has introduced a Digital car key (DCK), but only for compatible BMW cars. Additionally, Google restricts this feature to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro. All must be running Android 12, for reference.
Moreover, Google will push smart replies for notifications when using Android Auto. The company also claims it will be adding the ability to search for music within media apps using your voice. However, this feature has been available across devices for quite some time, at least in the UK.
In the same blog post, Google confirms that it will backport its permissions auto-reset feature to Android 6.0 and newer, having unveiled it on Android 11. This feature will arrive in January 2022. Incidentally, Google has added a 'Family Bell' feature to Google Assistant that allows you alert smartphones, as well as smart displays and speakers. Google outlines all changes this month in its blog post.
Source(s)
Google via @MishaalRahman
